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| The next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked launch event for the S26 might not happen in January 2026 |
With conflicting rumors causing confusion, Samsung's own chipset announcement and credible leaks point to a familiar launch pattern for the next-generation flagships.
For Samsung fans eagerly awaiting the Galaxy S26 series, the road to launch has been a rollercoaster of rumors. Initial whispers pointed to a possible January 2026 release, only for later reports to push expectations back to a more traditional February timeline. Now, as the year draws to a close, the picture is coming into sharper focus, and it suggests a wait that extends into March for the actual devices to hit shelves, powered by a revolutionary new chip.
The Evolving Launch Window: From January Hope to February Certainty
The speculation began in November when industry insiders suggested Samsung would host its Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, in San Francisco. This was quickly followed by a counter-rumor from South Korea, offering a glimmer of hope for an earlier launch in January, citing significant internal efforts.
However, recent developments have solidified the later timeline. A report from the Korean publication YNA has provided the most concrete evidence yet. In an article detailing Samsung's new Exynos 2600 chipset, the outlet confirmed plans for a "launch ceremony for the Galaxy S26 smartphone in February in the United States." While no specific date was given, this official context strongly anchors the event to February.
This timeline was further corroborated by the well-known and often-accurate leaker Ice Universe, who stated, "The Galaxy S26 series was released in February and went on sale in March. The long wait has begun."
If the February 25 date holds true, history suggests a post-event pre-order period of roughly two weeks. This would mean the Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra would likely start shipping and appearing in stores in early to mid-March 2026. This schedule would place the retail availability of the phones after Mobile World Congress (March 2-5), a significant shift from years when Samsung used the Barcelona event as a major launch platform.
The Galaxy S26 series was released in February and went on sale in March. The long wait has begun
— PhoneArt (@UniverseIce) December 21, 2025
The Real Story: Samsung's Exynos 2600 Chipset Takes Center Stage
While the launch date is key for consumers, the bigger technological story broke just days ago. Samsung Electronics officially pulled back the curtain on its next-generation Exynos 2600 application processor (AP), the chip expected to be at the heart of the Galaxy S26 series in many regions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Exynos 2600 is a milestone for the industry. It boasts the world's first 2-nanometer gate-all-around (GAA) production technology, a significant leap in semiconductor miniaturization that promises greater efficiency and performance. Samsung announced the chip is already under "mass production" status, ensuring it will be ready for the flagship launch.
The performance claims are substantial. Compared to the Exynos 2500 in the current S25 series, Samsung promises the new chip delivers:
- Up to a 39% improvement in CPU capability.
- A staggering 113% increase in generative AI performance.
"The Exynos 2600 delivers enhanced AI and gaming experiences by integrating powerful CPU, NPU and GPU into a single compact chip," the company stated. "Thanks to these improvements, you can perform more on-device AI tasks, such as intelligent image editing and AI assistant functions, quicker and more efficiently."
What This Means for Buyers and the Market
The confirmed February-March schedule, while potentially disappointing for those hoping for a January surprise, follows Samsung's established playbook and allows the company to own the spotlight in the early-year flagship phone market.
For potential upgraders from the Galaxy S24 or older models, the wait appears to be set. The silver lining is that the extra time is backed by what seems to be a genuine generational leap in core processing and AI power, thanks to the Exynos 2600. The focus on "on-device AI tasks" highlights a growing industry trend toward faster, more private AI processing directly on the smartphone, rather than relying on the cloud.
As for the current models, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, they will likely see price reductions as the launch of their successors draws nearer, offering a value proposition for those less concerned with having the absolute latest chipset.
As always, the leakosphere will continue to churn. Leakers like Ice Universe will undoubtedly provide more fragments of information on camera specs, design tweaks, and new software features in the coming weeks. But for now, two major pieces of the puzzle are firmly in place: a late-winter unveiling and a springtime sale, fueled by one of the most advanced mobile chips ever made. The stage is being set for Samsung's 2026 flagship debut.